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Best Beaches Around Sydney

I travel because there is too much to see and do and taste in this world. I'm attracted to bright colours, bizarre foods and interesting people. My favourite destinations are those which are the opposite of my (beloved) hometown, Sydney, because travelling is about experiencing more - not sameness,
"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list".

Welcome to one of the world's only cities where clear water, soft sand and intoxicating sunshine can be found side by side with sophisticated dining and shopping scenes, the CBD and public transport. There are enough list-worthy beaches in Sydney to fill at least a dozen guides, but here are some of my favourites.

Good for

Nature Lover

Peace and Quiet Seeker

LGBT

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Trendsetter

Like a Local

10 Places

3 City Tips

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Map

10 Places

Bondi Beach

Beaches

Bilgola Beach

Beaches

Bronte Beach

Beaches

Camp Cove

Beaches

Clovelly

Beaches

South Cronulla Beach

Beaches

Freshwater Beach

Beaches

Manly Beach

Beaches

Murray Rose Pool

Beaches

Tamarama Beach

Beaches

Bondi Beach

Queen Elizabeth Drive, Sydney, New South Wales 2026, Australia

Bilgola Beach

| North of Newport and South of Avalon Beach, Bilgola, Pittwater, New South Wales 2004, Australia

Bronte Beach

Bronte Road, Bronte, Waverley, New South Wales NSW 2024, Australia

Camp Cove

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Clovelly

Clovelly Rd. | Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

South Cronulla Beach

22R Gerrale St, Sydney, New South Wales 2230, Australia

Freshwater Beach

Ocean View Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2004, Australia

Manly Beach

Sydney, New South Wales 2095, Australia

Murray Rose Pool

536 New South Head Rd, Sydney, New South Wales 2028, Australia

Tamarama Beach

Bondi, New South Wales 2026, Australia

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Bondi Beach

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Bilgola Beach

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Bronte Beach

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Camp Cove

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Clovelly

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South Cronulla Beach

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Freshwater Beach

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Manly Beach

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Murray Rose Pool

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Tamarama Beach

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Margarita P's City Tips

Check each beach for the best transport solution; both public transport and parking can be difficult at some beaches.

Always pack sunscreen and a hat — the UV rays are fierce.

Few beaches have umbrellas for rent, so bring your own if you're hoping for shade.

Bondi Beach

Beaches

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Margarita P Says:

She’s Australia’s most iconic beach, and she sure knows how to put on a show. If you will allow a bit of cliche: Bondi is more than just sand and surf — it’s a lifestyle. Some call it the 'Bondi Bubble' because you could spend one day here or you could spend a month. Shopping, dining, relaxing, drinking... The Bubble has all the ingredients needed for a good old Aussie time.

Good for

Foodie

Must See

LGBT

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Trendsetter

Like a Local

Tips

On the beach, consider where you lay your towel. You're most likely to find surfers down the south end, people with stereos in the middle, and cool kids or mummies up north.

Surfing lessons run regularly and are a must-do for anyone with the inclination.

Weekend markets at the primary school (Campbell Parade) are not to be missed. Saturday (9am-1pm) for the farmers market, and Sunday (10am-4pm) for everything else.

Drop-in outdoor yoga classes at Bondi Icebergs are open to aspiring yogis of any level.

There are regular festivals and public events happening at Bondi Beach all year round — Google your dates before you arrive to see what's on.

Although it’s one of our smaller beaches, Bronte is a versatile destination that suits families, pets, big groups, fitness buffs and café-lovers. The grassy reserve, which is filled with huts, grills and play spaces for kids (including a little train ride on the weekends), is spacious enough for those wanting to kick a ball or blast some music. For those after some peace and quiet, you’re welcome to park yourself in the rock pool or on the more distant sandy areas.

Good for

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Like a Local

Tips

The Bondi-to-Bronte walk starts or ends here. It’s about 45 minutes each way and well worth it for the views alone.

Towards the north end there are cliffs that offer shade, in case you need some respite from the sun and don’t want to leave the beach.

Parking is difficult after 11am, and the inspectors are ruthless. Consider opting for the 378 bus that starts at Central Station.

Probably the best (and definitely the most well known) café is a short distance up the hill: Three Blue Ducks (141 Macpherson St). You must try the Ocean Trout breakfast.

Tucked away in a not-so-easy to access residential neighbourhood, Camp Cove is one of the city's best coastal secrets. There are no waves to surf, and it’s as though the calm water sends a relaxing energy through everyone who steps foot onto this small beach. Since there is no whisper of cars or traffic, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting you’re still in Sydney.

Good for

Beach Goer

Hidden Gems

Like a Local

Tips

If you're planning to stay all day then equip yourself with a beach umbrella and a picnic basket (although there is a kiosk for snacks and cool drinks).

Bring a snorkel – the shallow waters are perfect for beginners.

For a proper meal or drink, head to nearby Watson’s Bay. The refurbished Watson’s Bay Hotel is all the rage.

Love the idea of immersing yourself in the salty ocean and warm sunshine without getting any sand in your bathers? Well, Clovelly is the place for you. It may sound a bit strange, but this local favourite is a sort-of bay — flanked by cliffs and concrete for your sun baking/diving pleasure. The snorkelling brings swimmers to Clovelly all year round, although unfortunately most tourists will never even hear of it.

Good for

Peace and Quiet Seeker

Beach Goer

Hidden Gems

Like a Local

Tips

You'll need a snorkel if you’d like to meet Bluey, the famous blue groper, or his eel and fish friends.

There is a fairly spacious all-day car park if you arrive via Clovelly Rd.

There are two sun-protected BBQ huts on the side without the car park.

On your way home, stop by Out of the Blue (272 Clovelly Rd) for some of Sydney’s best burgers and hot chips (waiting in that line is worth it).

Cronulla is Sydney’s most famous southern beach, and the only one which can be reached by train. Its esplanade — with cafes and resting benches — complements a beach that suits both families and surfers.

Good for

Must See

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Tips

The "Cronulla Walk" is a two hour stroll that showcases the area beautifully, encompassing beaches, ocean pools and scenic lookouts.

North Cronulla, Wanda and Elouera beaches are popular surf spots.

South Beach Seafood (20 Gerrale Street) is a local institution and home to the best Fish & Chips in the area.

The water at Freshwater, or 'Freshie' as the locals call it, is the most magical shade of blue-green. A protected beach that also manages to have great waves, Freshie is a favourite amongst families, and generally, hard to fault.

Good for

Beach Goer

Like a Local

Tips

This is one of the most family-friendly beaches; the northern end has child-friendly rock pools for when the waves are too strong.

The adjacent park is a top spot for BBQs.

The first beach north of Manly, Freshie is close to the action but more intimate.

The Manly peninsular is home to several incredible northern beaches. The best way to arrive is via ferry, which is an experience in itself and lands at Manly Wharf, the harbourside part of Manly Beach. This is only a short walk away from the main ocean beach, where surfers and swimmers enjoy one of Australia’s best-known tourist landmarks.

Good for

Foodie

Must See

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Like a Local

Tips

The restaurant and small bar scene has really flourished in Manly. Grab a Bonsai (a gin and lime-mint slurp in a jar) at Donny’s if you need refreshing.

If you’re there on the weekend, leave some time to meander through the Manly Market Place (10am-5pm) for a sweet mix of local fashion, gifts and produce.

The Manly Corso is a pedestrian mall in between the wharf and ocean, packed with surf shops, cafes and pubs; it's an easy one-stop-shop for anything you may need.

A popular one for those not wanting to venture too far from the city, Redleaf is a truly unique harbourside beach.The small stretch of grass and sand benefits from a wrap-around boardwalk — perfect for lazing around on or diving off of. In the middle of this U-shape water enclosure are two more floating pontoons, just in case you need a nap mid-paddle.

Good for

Peace and Quiet Seeker

LGBT

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Trendsetter

Hidden Gems

Like a Local

Tips

Since it’s so sheltered, Redleaf is best when it’s a little cooler or windy. With no ocean breeze, it can get too hot in the peak of summer.

There is a second small car park underneath the street-level plot — just head down the driveway on the left.

The café is elevated over the beach, serving up a gorgeous view with your iced coffee.

Nicknamed 'Glam-arama', Tamarama is an intimate beach with a delightful park space attached. Packed with some of Sydney’s most fabulous, Dolce & Gabana-wearing beachgoers, this is the place to go when you’re just as interested in 'the scene' as the sea.

Good for

LGBT

Beach Goer

Thrifty Traveller

Trendsetter

Tips

Watch out on windy days — the waves can get rough and swimming is sometimes forbidden.

Tamarama is positioned in the middle of the Bondi-to-Bronte beach walk, so consider it for an extended pit stop.

Gordon’s Bay, another trendy hangout, is just around the corner if you want to go adventuring.